Heat pipe cooled burr including surgical instruments embodying same

ABSTRACT

Featured is a surgical instrument including a rotating cutting implement and a heat transfer mechanism configured to absorb heat energy during the use of such a rotating cutting implement. The heat transfer mechanism is configured so the absorbed heat energy is communicated to an external heat sink. Such a heat transfer mechanism includes a heat pipe, e.g., a scintered or wick type heat pipe. The heat energy is absorbed at one end of the heat pipe to minimize the potential for damage to the tissue and the like at and/or about the surgical site. Also featured are a surgical apparatus embodying such a surgical instrument and surgical or medical methods or procedures for manipulating, rotatably cutting, grinding, abrading or debriding tissue, bone or other structures or components of a mammalian body using such surgical instruments or surgical apparatus.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/942,192 filed Feb. 20, 2014, the teachings of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to surgical instruments, moreparticularly to powered surgical instruments that are configured to cut,abrade or the like tissue during a surgical procedure such as an ENTprocedure, and even more particularly to powered surgical instrumentsthat are configured to cut, abrade or the like tissue and alsoconfigured to minimize tissue damage (e.g., collateral tissue damage)from heating during such operation of the surgical instrument. Thepresent invention also relates to surgical apparatus as well as methodsthat embody such surgical instruments or related techniques.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are surgical apparatus (e.g., powered surgical apparatus) that areconfigured so as to enhance shaving, cutting and/or removal of tissue,bone and/or other bodily material. Such surgical apparatus can include ashaving or cutting instrument, such as a rotating blade or a rotatingburr for example. The rotating cutting implement also is connected to ahand piece which is held by an operator of the apparatus, such as asurgeon, for example. The surgeon, by holding the hand piece in theirhand, can manipulate the rotating cutting implement to grind, shave orcut desired tissue, bone and/or other bodily material.

However, tissue abrading burrs used in connection with conventionalsurgical procedures can cause heating of the tissue being reduced orabraded. Such heating becomes an issue or concern when the heatingbegins to modify the tissue being reduced through the temperature riseattributable to the rotating burr or cutting element rather than throughthe intended mechanical abrasion. Such heating also can cause heating ofthe surrounding tissue thereby also leading to collateral tissue beingdamaged. For example, devices embodying such rotating burrs inconnection with ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgical procedures can leadto collateral tissue damage as well as accidental tissue damage duringextraction.

One conventional technique used to limit the effects of heating whileusing a rotating surgical cutting instrument (e.g., when grinding,reducing or modifying tissue, bone or teeth in a human body) involvesirrigation of the surgical site with a fluid or liquid such as water orsaline solution. In this technique the fluid (e.g., water or saline)solution is actively dispersed (e.g., pumped, sprayed) at the surgicalsite and suction is concurrently applied to remove the fluid as well asany debris (e.g., tissue, bone, etc.) that is contained in the fluid. Inthis way, the fluid being dispersed can absorb the heat energy and thethus heated fluid is removed by suction.

In further embodiments, the surgical instrument can be configured so itdisperses or suctions the fluid and/or a separate device(s) can beprovided to disperse and suction the fluid. Such techniques, however,may not be suitable for all surgical procedures or introduce addedcomplexities because the introduction of a fluid at a given site in asufficient quantity to control temperature rise may not be optimal.

Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 6,733,501 there is found anelectrosurgical device having electrodes to cauterize, cut and/orcoagulate tissues. In such a device, RF energy or the like is applied tothe tissues using one or more electrodes to achieve the desired surgicaleffect. However, such cutting or cauterizing of the tissue also cancause less than optimal initial conditions for the procedure. Thedescribed electrosurgical device is configured with a heat pipe thatconducts heat from the electrode where substantially all of the heatconducted from the electrode through the heat pipe is dissipated alongthe length of the heat pipe.

Such a heat pipe includes an internal cavity which is sealed at bothends. The cavity is partially evacuated and contains a heat transferfluid such as water. The outer shell can be made of a conductivemetallic material such as copper. The shell can be covered over most ofits length by an electrically insulating cover or sheath. The exposeddistal end of the heat pipe is coated with a conductive non-toxicmaterial such as gold or nickel, for example, which forms an outersurface.

Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,837 there is found a method forinducing hypothermia for treating neurological disorders, moreparticularly the invention relates generally to methods of treatingcancer and other diseases by modulating body temperature. In thisregard, body temperature may be directly modulated by a heat-exchangecatheter positioned within a blood vessel of a patient. Such methodsgenerally relate to methods of treating cancer by inducing hypothermia.In this technique, heat is directed to the hypothalamus, whileoptionally maintaining cancerous tissue at or near to normal bodytemperature, and optionally applying another cancer treatment. Thisother cancer treatment may be radiation therapy, chemotherapy, acombination of radiation and chemotherapy, or some other cancertreatment. The invention relates generally to methods of treatingdiseases including cancer, viral infections, and other diseases,comprising inducing hyperthermia by cooling the hypothalamus, andoptionally applying another treatment, for example radiation,chemotherapy, antiviral therapy, or a combination of therapies.

Another such apparatus effective to cool a nasal passage or sinuscomprises an electrical cooling device attached at an end of a flexibletube, rod or catheter capable of being introduced into the nasal passageor sinus. Such an electrical cooling device may be a Peltier device orother electrical cooling element. The Peltier device may be located atthe tip of the cooling device or may be located distal to the tip andheat withdrawn from the tip by the cooling device via a heat pipe. Thetip of the probe may be cooled via a heat pipe that connects the tip ofthe probe to a cooling element such as the Peltier device. It also isnoted therein that heat pipes are described, for example, in U.S. Pat.No. 5,190,539 to Fletcher et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,686 to Petersonet al.

Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 7,998,159 there is found an irrigatedcutting device for use with a powered surgical tool. Such a deviceincludes an elongated outer tube with an outer hub attached to theproximal end for releasably securing the cutting accessory/device withinthe powered tool. An elongated inner member is received within the outertube and has an inner hub adapted to be driven by the surgical tool. Thedimensions of the outer tube and inner member are such as to form anannular channel there between for the passage of irrigating fluid. Theinner member carries a cutting tool, such as a burr, at its distal end,the tool being accessible through an aperture in the outer tube. Abypass channel runs external to the outer tube to carry irrigating fluidto the cutting tool. An aperture through the outer tube connects theannular channel with the bypass channel.

The fluid passes through the aperture into the external bypass tube, andalong the bypass tube before exiting adjacent the burr. In this way, theirrigating fluid is directed on to the burr, to provide the maximumcooling and irrigating effect. Excess fluid, as well as tissue and bonefragments cut by the burr, pass through the suction aperture into theinterior of the hollow member, and travel back up the cutting bladeunder the action of the suction source.

Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 8,491,585, there is found methods andsystems for minimally invasive lateral decompression of one or morespinal nerves. Such a system for laterally decompressing includes anaccess sheath, a tool guide, and a bone removal tool. The bone removaltool is used to remove bone from the anterior surface. Optionally, afterbone removal has been completed, the cutting tool may be advancedthrough the access sheath in order to partially cut the ligamentumflavum to further relieve compression of the spinal nerve(s). Usually, acooling and/or flushing medium will be introduced to the rotating burrin order to remove heat and optionally permit aspiration of the removedbone material.

Referring now to U.S. Publication No. US2013/01729191 there is found atissue removal kit or assembly that includes a cannula and a tissueremoval probe axially slidable within the cannula. The tissue removalprobe includes an elongated member having a distal end configured tocurve when distally deployed from the cannula. The tissue removal probefurther comprises a drive shaft and a rotatable tissue removal element(e.g., an abrasive burr) disposed on the drive shaft adjacent the memberdistal end. The curved member distal end may associate the tissueremoval element, which has its own axis of rotation, with a radius ofrevolution about the longitudinal axis of the member. The member islaterally flexible and resilient, so that the radius of revolution canbe adjusted. In this manner, the tissue removal element can removetissue around an adjustable arc. An irrigation fluid is provided to helpcool the drive shaft and/or the burr, while the burr is rotating at highspeed and grinding against tissue. The media or fluid also washes awaydebris at the target site.

It thus would be desirable to provide a surgical instrument having acutting or abrading cutting element such as a burr that embodies amechanism for directly cooling the cutting element or burr to minimizetemperature rise in surrounding tissue as well as methods relatedthereto. It would be particularly desirable to provide such a surgicalinstrument, surgical apparatus and method that would minimizetemperature rise when using the surgical instrument in comparison toprior art devices, apparatus and methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention features a surgical instrument and a surgicalapparatus embodying such a surgical instrument. In its broadest aspectsthe present invention features a surgical instrument including arotating cutting implement and a heat transfer mechanism configured toabsorb heat energy being developed during use of such a rotating cuttingimplement. Such a heat transfer mechanism also is configured so that theabsorbed heat energy is communicated to a heat sink that is remote fromthe surgical site. In this way, the absorbed heat energy is removed soas to minimize the potential for damage to the tissue and the like atand/or about the surgical site. Also featured are surgical or medicalmethods or procedures for manipulating, rotatably cutting, grinding,abrading or debriding tissue, bone or other structures or components ofa mammalian body using such surgical instruments or motorized/poweredsurgical apparatus.

In more particular aspects the present invention features a surgicalinstrument that includes a rotating cutting implement for use inprocessing a part of a mammalian body and a heat pipe that is arrangedso as to absorb heat energy at one end thereof and to dissipate the heatenergy at least at a second end thereof. In addition, the rotatingcutting implement and heat pipe are arranged so that the heat pipe firstend is thermally coupled to the rotating cutting implement so that atleast some heat energy being developed by the rotating cutting implementduring use is absorbed by the heat pipe first end and is communicated inthe direction of the heat pipe second end.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is featured asurgical instrument having a rotating cutting element, where the cuttingelement comprises a burr having a given shape. Such a surgicalinstrument also includes a heat pipe. In addition, the burr and heatpipe are arranged so that the heat pipe first end is thermally coupledto the burr such that at least some heat energy being developed by theburr implement when in use is absorbed by the heat pipe first end and iscommunicated in the direction of the heat pipe second end. Also includedis a tubular member that is connected to the burr and extends outwardlyfrom the burr such that a longitudinal extending portion of the heatpipe is disposed within the tubular member and wherein the burr includesa cavity that is configured and arranged to receive at least a portionof the heat pipe first end therein.

In embodiments of such surgical instruments, the heat pipe furtherincludes a material disposed in the interior of the heat pipe tofacilitate movement of a phase change medium along a length of the heatpipe. Such a material is sometimes referred to as a phase changematerial. In further embodiments, the phase change material is usedalone or in combination with a wick type of material that facilitatesmovement of the phase change material (e.g., the liquid phase).

In yet further embodiments, the rotating cutting implement includes acavity that is configured and arranged to receive at least a portion ofthe heat pipe first end. When so received, the heat pipe first end is atleast thus thermally coupled to the rotating cutting element andpreferably also is mechanically coupled to the rotating cutting element.

In further embodiments, such a surgical instrument further includes athermally conductive medium, the thermally conductive medium beingdisposed in the rotating cutting implement cavity about the heat pipefirst end so as to facilitate thermal coupling between the rotatingcutting implement and the heat pipe first end. Such a thermal couplingmedium also preferably mechanically couples the rotating cuttingimplement and the heat pipe.

In yet further embodiments, such a surgical instrument further includesa tubular member that is connected to the rotating cutting implement andextends outwardly from the rotating cutting implement such that alongitudinal extending portion of the heat pipe is disposed within thetubular member. Such a tubular member can further include one or more ora plurality of reduced diameter regions disposed along a length of thetubular member, each of the reduced diameter regions being formed so asto at least reduce a gap between an inner surface of the tubular memberand an outer surface of the longitudinally extending portion of the heatpipe.

In yet further embodiments, the tubular member for such a surgicalinstrument further includes one or more or a plurality of contactregions disposed along a length of the tubular member, each of thecontact regions being formed so an inner surface of the tubular memberand an outer surface of the longitudinally extending portion of the heatpipe are in slidable contact with each other.

In alternative embodiments, the tubular member extends outwardly fromthe rotating cutting implement such that a longitudinal extendingportion of the heat pipe is disposed within the tubular member. In amore particular embodiment, the tubular member is arranged so as to be afixed member in which is disposed the rotating longitudinally extendingportion of the heat pipe. As indicated herein, the tubular member canfurther include one or more or a plurality of reduced diameter regionsdisposed along a length of the tubular member, each of the reduceddiameter regions being formed so as to at least reduce a gap between aninner surface of the tubular member and an outer surface of thelongitudinally extending portion of the heat pipe.

In yet more particular embodiments, the surgical instrument furtherincludes a shield member that is disposed and arranged so as to form abarrier between the rotating cutting element and collateral tissue aboutthe surgical site (i.e., tissue that is not to be processed by thecutting element). In this way, damage to collateral tissue can beminimized such as if the end having the burr jumped or inadvertentlymoved during use. In more particular embodiments, such a shield memberis secured to the fixed tubular member or shaft (e.g., distal end of thetubular member) to provide a fixed barrier to minimize the potential fordamage to collateral tissue proximal the surgical end.

In yet further embodiments, such reduced diameter regions or contactregions extend circumferential about the tubular member, partially aboutthe circumference or form a dimpled structure that extends along thelength and/or about the circumference of the tubular member.

In alternative embodiments, the outer surface of the heat pipe isconfigured with surface artifacts that are formed so as to at leastreduce a gap between an inner surface of the tubular member and an outersurface of the longitudinally extending portion of the heat pipe orformed so an inner surface of the tubular member and an outer surface ofthe longitudinally extending portion of the heat pipe are in slidablecontact with each other.

In yet further embodiments, the heat pipe second end is arranged so asto be exposed to a cooling medium, whereby heat energy communicated tothe heat pipe second end is dissipated to the cooling medium.Additionally, an outer surface of the heat pipe second end can includesurface artifacts to facilitate transfer of heat energy from the heatpipe to the cooling medium. In further embodiments, such artifacts cancomprise cooling fins.

In yet further embodiments, such surgical instruments, further includean active fluid cooling system that absorbs and removes heat energy bycirculating a fluid and a portion of the heat pipe such as the heat pipesecond end is thermally coupled to the active fluid cooling system tofacilitate transfer of heat energy from the heat pipe to the circulatingfluid.

In yet further embodiments, the tubular member is arranged so as toextend along the length of the heat pipe including the heat pipe secondend and so as to be thermally coupled to the heat pipe second endwhereby heat energy is dissipated from the heat pipe second end to thetubular member. In such embodiments, a tubular member portion proximalthe heat pipe second end is arranged so as to be exposed to a coolingmedium, whereby heat energy communicated to the heat pipe second end isdissipated by the tubular member to the cooling medium. Additionally, anouter surface of the tubular member can include surface artifacts (e.g.,cooling fins) to facilitate transfer of heat energy from the tubularmember to the cooling medium. In additional alternative embodiments, thetubular member portion can be thermally coupled to an active fluidcooling system to absorb and remove heat energy from the tubular memberportion using a circulating fluid.

In yet further embodiments, the rotating cutting implement is a burrhaving a given shape. Also, such a burr can be utilized in connectionwith one of an ENT surgical procedure, an arthroscopy procedure and alaparoscopy procedure.

In yet further embodiments such a surgical instrument further includesone or both of a fluid delivery line and/or a suction line in proximityto the cutting implement so that the surgeon or user can introduce afluid to the surgical site for clearing of debris resulting from theprocessing of the tissue using the surgical instrument. In addition, theintroduction of a fluid also can be used as an additional means forcooling the tissue during use.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there isfeatured a motorized or powered surgical apparatus including a motor anda movable cutting assembly. In embodiments, the movable cutting assemblycomprises any of the surgical instruments described herein includingthose instruments including embodiments described above. Moreparticularly, such a movable cutting assembly includes a burr having agiven shape and a heat pipe being arranged so as to absorb heat energyat one end thereof and dissipate the heat energy at least at a secondend thereof. Also, the burr and heat pipe are arranged so that the heatpipe first end is thermally coupled to the burr so at least some heatenergy being developed by the burr when in use is absorbed by the heatpipe first end and is communicated in the direction of the heat pipesecond end. Also included is a tubular member that is connected to theburr and extends outwardly from the burr so that a longitudinalextending portion of the heat pipe is disposed within the tubularmember. In addition, the tubular member is operably coupled to the motorsuch that when in use, the tubular member and the burr are rotated bythe motor at a desired rotational speed.

In an alternative embodiment, the tubular member is a non-rotating fixedmember in which is disposed the rotating longitudinally extendingportion of the heat pipe. In this embodiment, the longitudinal extendingportion of the heat pipe is operably coupled to the motor so the motorrotates the longitudinal extending portion of the heat pipe and therotating cutting element (e.g., burr) that is connected thereto. Such atubular member can further include one or more or a plurality of reduceddiameter regions disposed along a length of the tubular member, each ofthe reduced diameter regions being formed so as to at least reduce a gapbetween an inner surface of the tubular member and an outer surface ofthe longitudinally extending portion of the heat pipe.

In yet further embodiments, the surgical instrument further includes ashield member that is disposed and arranged so as to form a barrierbetween the rotating cutting element and collateral tissue about thesurgical site (i.e., tissue that is not to be processed by the cuttingelement). In this way, damage to the collateral tissue can be minimizedsuch as if the end having the burr jumped or inadvertently moved duringuse. In more particular embodiments, such a shield member is secured tothe fixed tubular member or shaft (e.g., distal end of the tubularmember) to provide a fixed barrier to minimize the potential for damageto collateral tissue proximal the surgical end.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there arefeatured medical or surgical methods or procedures that employ thesurgical instruments or apparatuses herein described. More particularlysuch methods include surgical or medical procedures for processing(e.g., cutting, grinding, abrading, debriding or the like) a feature(e.g., tissue, bone, ligaments and the like) of a mammalian body. Morespecifically, such methods or procedures which are intended for use forprocessing a feature of or associated with the ear, nose and/or throat(e.g., ENT procedure).

Such methods and procedures also include providing a surgical instrumentor apparatus having a rotating cutting implement for use in processing apart of a mammalian body and a heat pipe that is arranged so as toabsorb heat energy at one end thereof and to dissipate the heat energyat least at a second end thereof. In addition, the rotating cuttingimplement and heat pipe are arranged so that the heat pipe first end isthermally coupled to the rotating cutting implement so that at leastsome heat energy being developed by the rotating implement when in useis absorbed by the heat pipe first end and is communicated in thedirection of the heat pipe second end.

Such methods and procedures of the present invention further include thestep(s) of providing a surgical or medical instrument or a surgical ormedical apparatus as herein described and processing a feature(s) of themammalian body using such a surgical or medical instrument or a surgicalor medical apparatus. In more particular embodiments such processingincludes one of cutting, grinding, abrading, debriding or the like ofthe feature that includes for example, tissue, bone, ligaments and thelike of a mammalian body. In further embodiments, such methods andprocedures further include the step of absorbing heat energy from thecutting implement and dissipating the absorbed energy remote from thesite where the body feature is being processed.

Other aspects and embodiments of the invention are discussed below.

Definitions

The instant invention is most clearly understood with reference to thefollowing definitions:

As used herein the terms “cutting,” “cut,” “grinding” or “grind” whenused in describing the methods, instruments or apparatus of the presentinvention shall be understood to be inclusive of any of a number oftechniques or operations know in the art for surgically working orprocessing bone, cartilage or tissue such techniques include but are notlimited to trimming, shaping, resecting, debriding, abrading or grindingof bone or tissue of a mammalian body.

The term tissue when used herein shall be understood to include otherparts or structure of a human body including, but not limited tocartilage, muscle, bone, bony structures (e.g., vertebrae) andligaments.

Endoscopy shall be understood to be generally referring to or describinga procedure which allows a doctor or surgeon to look inside a body(e.g., mammalian or human body) using an instrument called an endoscopefor medical reasons. The doctor, surgeon or other medical personnel canuse such a procedure for diagnostic purposes by examining or imaging theinterior or exterior of an organ or cavity of the body and/or incombination with other surgical or diagnostic procedures (e.g., biopsy).For example, a cutting tool can be attached to the end of the endoscopeor a tool can be provided for use in combination with the endoscope andthe tool can then be used to perform surgery or biopsy. This type ofsurgery is generally called keyhole surgery as it usually leaves only atiny external scar. Such endoscopic techniques have been developed andadapted for use in connection with specific parts or features of thehuman body and thus commonly have been given a specific name (e.g.,colonoscopy).

Laparoscopic surgery is a surgical technique in which operations in theabdominal or pelvic cavities are performed through the use of smallincisions and the use of a laparoscope in combination with a lightsource. The laparoscope is used to view the surgical site. The generalterm used to describe the process is laparoscopy.

Arthroscopy also referred to as arthroscopic surgery is anotherminimally invasive surgical procedure in which an examination andsometimes treatment of damage to the interior of a joint is performedusing an arthroscope. An arthroscope is a type of endoscope that isinserted into the joint also through a small incision. Arthroscopicprocedures are performed to evaluate and/or to treat many orthopedicconditions including floating cartilage, torn surface cartilage, ACLreconstruction and trimming of damaged cartilage.

ENT shall be understood to be generally referring to the ears, nose andthroat of a mammalian body (e.g., human body) and ENT operations andprocedures shall be understood to be describing and referring tooperations and/or procedures involving the structure and features ofsuch ears, nose and throat of the mammalian body.

Debridement, debriding or debride shall be understood to be describingthe medical removal of dead, damaged or infected tissue to improve thehealing potential of the remaining healthy tissue. Such removal isperformed using any of a number of techniques known to those skilled inthe art including surgical and mechanical. Surgical debridement is oneof the fastest methods for debridement and is typically very selectiveas the surgeon or person performing the debridement has control overwhich tissue is being removed and which is being left behind.

USP shall be understood to mean U.S. Patent Number and U.S. PublicationNo. shall be understood to mean U.S. Published Patent ApplicationNumber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of thepresent invention, reference is made to the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figureswherein like reference character denote corresponding parts throughoutthe several views and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a surgical instrument according to an aspect ofthe present invention.

FIG. 1A is a partial side view of a distal portion of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 1, illustrating an embodiment thereof.

FIG. 1B is another partial side view of a distal portion of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 1, illustrating another embodiment thereof.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a surgical instrument similarto FIG. 1 but according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a surgical instrument according to anotheraspect of the present invention including surface artifacts for cooling.

FIG. 3B is a partial side view of a distal portion of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 3A, illustrating an embodiment thereof.

FIG. 3C is another partial side view of a distal portion of the surgicalinstrument of FIG. 3A, illustrating another embodiment thereof.

FIG. 4 is an illustrative view of a surgical instrument according to yetanother aspect of the present invention in which the heat pipe is atleast thermally coupled to an external cooling system.

FIG. 5A is an illustrative view of a distal portion of a surgicalinstrument according to another aspect of the present inventionincluding a fluid line.

FIG. 5B is another illustrative view of a distal portion of a surgicalinstrument according to another aspect of the present inventionincluding a shield or barrier and a fluid line.

FIG. 5C is another illustrative view of a distal portion of a surgicalinstrument according to another aspect of the present inventionincluding a shield or barrier, a fluid line and suction line.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an exemplary powered surgical apparatusaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective exterior view of the handle shown in FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein likereference characters refer to like parts, there is shown in FIG. 1 aside view of a surgical instrument 100 according to an aspect of thepresent invention with partial cutaways. Referring also to FIG. 2, thereis shown a cross-sectional side view of another surgical instrument 100a according to another embodiment of the present invention. The surgicalinstrument of FIG. 2 is similar to that of FIG. 1 and the like referencecharacters refer to like parts or common features. The differencesthere-between are discussed below.

The surgical instrument 100, 100 a of either embodiment includes a heatpipe 120, and a cutting implement 130, 130 a that is at least thermallycoupled to the heat pipe and in more particular embodiments an end ofthe heat pipe and the cutting implement are mechanically coupled. Inthis regard the term distal as used herein in connection with the heatpipe and surgical instrument generally refers to a location that is ingeneral proximity to the site in the body that is in contact with thecutting element and the term proximal is used to generally describe alocation that is opposite the distal end and at an end opposite fromproximity to this body site. As described further herein, the heat pipe120 is rotated about its long axis during use so that the cuttingimplement 130, 130 a can perform its intended function (e.g., cutting,abrading, grinding, debriding, etc.).

In further embodiments, portions of the heat pipe 120 is/are generallysurrounded by an outer sleeve or shaft 140,140 a that extendslongitudinally about and along the length of the heat pipe. Inillustrative exemplary embodiments, the shaft 140, 140 a extendsoutwardly from the cutting implement 130, 130 a to either a distal endof the heat pipe or to a point short of the distal end of the heat pipeas further described herein. In one embodiment, the shaft 140, 140 a issecured to the cutting implement 130, 130 a so that the shaft also isbeing rotated about the long axis of the heat pipe 120 during use. In analternative embodiment and as illustrated and described in connectionwith FIGS. 5A-C, the shaft 140 b-d is fixed with respect to the heatpipe 120 and the heat pipe rotates within the shaft. In more particularembodiments, the shaft 140, 140 a is sized, configured and composed of amaterial that supports the heat pipe and more specifically providescompressive and flexural strength to the heat pipe. Such materialincludes a metal (e.g., steel) plastics or a composite material (e.g.,graphite).

In further embodiments, an outer diameter 123 of the heat pipe 120 andan inner diameter 142 of the shaft 140,140 a are established so as tominimize the space there-between and also to provide radial support tothe heat pipe during rotation. In yet further embodiments and as morespecifically illustrated in FIG. 1, an inner surface of the shaft innerdiameter 142 includes surface artifacts 144 that extend outwardly fromthe outer surface so as to further reduce the space between an innersurface corresponding the shaft inner diameter 142 and a heat pipe outersurface corresponding to the heat pipe outer diameter 123. In moreparticular embodiments, the surface artifacts extend outwardly so as tobe in contact (e.g., sliding or movable radial contact) with the heatpipe outer diameter. In this way, the shaft 140 can be slidlongitudinally onto the heat pipe for purposes of assembly but allow theartifact(s) to be in contact with the heat pipe outer diameter forradial support as well as thermal conduction. In the case where theshaft is fixed, the artifacts also are such as to provide a mechanismwhereby the heat pipe 120 can rotate about the longitudinal axis of theshaft.

Although two radially extending artifacts 144 extending from the shaft140 are illustrated in FIG. 1, this shall not be limiting. It also iswithin the scope of the present invention for 2 or more, a plurality of,or a multiplicity of such radially extending artifacts 144 be providedin the inner surface of the shaft 144.

Alternatively and with reference to FIG. 2, it is within the scope ofthe present invention for the shaft 140 a to be configured so that theinner surface corresponding to the shaft inner diameter 142 is insliding contact with the outer surface corresponding to heat pipe outerdiameter 123 along the entire length of the shaft or portions thereof.In yet further embodiments, the shaft 140 a is configurable so that thatthe inner surface corresponding to the shaft inner diameter 142 isspaced from the outer surface corresponding to heat pipe outer diameter123 along the entire length of the shaft or portions thereof.

In addition, such artifacts can be formed so as to be disposedcircumferentially about and along the length of the shaft so that theshaft is in arcuate contact with the heat pipe at the locationscorresponding to such artifacts. Alternatively, the artifacts can beformed and arranged so as to form discrete regions along the length ofthe shaft that are in general point contact with the heat pipe (e.g.,dimples). Also, the artifacts can be formed and arranged to creatediscrete, discontinuous arcuate regions (e.g., semicircular bands) aboutthe shaft inner surface and along the length of the shaft. It also iswithin the scope of the present invention for these surface artifacts tobe formed using any of a number of techniques known to those skilled inthe art. For example, one or more or a plurality of regions of the shaftcan be crimped radially so as to thereby form the radially extendingartifacts.

Furthermore, while the artifacts are shown as extending from the shaft,this is not limiting as it also is within the scope of the presentinvention for the radially extending artifacts to be provided on thesurface corresponding to the outer diameter of the heat pipe 120. Forexample, one or more bands of material (e.g., metals, plastics) can besecured to the surface of the heat pipe outer diameter such as withadhesives, brazing or welding (e.g., vibrational welding) to form theone or more surface artifacts.

The heat pipe 120 includes two ends, a distal end 122 and a proximal end124 and a tubular member 126 interconnecting the two ends. As is knownto those skilled in the art, the two ends 122, 124 and the tubularmember 126 are connected or joined to each other so as to form a sealedstructure. In either embodiment, the heat pipe distal end 122 isdisposed within the cutting element 130, 130 a (e.g., at the centralcore of the cutting element) to absorb heat energy and the proximal end124 is where the absorbed heat energy is expected to be dissipated ordispersed.

As is known to those skilled in the art, a heat pipe is a phase changedevice that quickly equalizes thermal energy through phase change ofliquids to vapor state within the heat pipe. In the present embodiment,the heat energy being absorbed at the distal end 122 changes the liquidphase to the vapor phase and the vapor phase is communicated to theproximal end 124 via the interconnecting tube 126 (i.e., direction ofheat dissipation 121). The absorbed heat energy contained in the vaporphase is given up at the proximal end thereby causing the vapor phase tocondense back into the liquid phase. The liquid phase is thencommunicated from the proximal end 124 to the distal end 122 via theinterconnecting tube 126 so the above heat absorption and dissipationprocess can continuously repeat itself.

As is also known to those skilled in the art, the heat pipe 120 also isconfigurable with an internal wick structure 128, as more particularlyillustrated in FIG. 2, such as a scintered metal or central wickstructure. Such an internal wick structure 128 provides a mechanism bywhich the liquid phase can be communicated or transported moreeffectively to the proximal end, in particular when working againstgravity. As is known to those skilled in the art, the distal andproximal ends 122, 124 and the interconnecting pipe 126 form a sealedstructure and comprise any of a number of material known in the artsthat are appropriate for the intended use. In an exemplary embodimentthe distal and proximal ends 122, 124 and the interconnecting pipe 126are composed of a copper material or alloy.

In either embodiment, the heat pipe distal end 122 is disposed withinthe cutting element 130, 130 a and so as to be at least in thermalcontact with the cutting element. In more particular embodiments, thedistal end 122 is firmly seated or secured within the cutting element130, 130 a. Referring now to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an aperture132 is formed in the cutting element 130 in which the distal end isreceived. In more particular embodiments the outside surfaces of thedistal end 122 becomes at least thermally engaged with the opposingsurfaces of the aperture 132. In further embodiments, the outsidesurfaces of the distal end 122 become thermally and mechanically engagedwith the opposing surfaces of the aperture 132 so as to secure the heatpipe distal end to the cutting element and so that the heat energy orthermal energy of friction is communicated to the distal end via thecutting element. In this way, the heat energy is absorbed by the liquidphase within the heat pipe 120 so as to thereby cause it to be convertedto the vapor phase and then dissipated at the proximal end as describedhereinabove.

Alternatively and as shown in FIG. 2, in the other embodiment thecutting element 130 a is formed or processed (e.g., machined) so as tohave an interior cavity 134 that receives the distal end 122 of the heatpipe 120. The distal end 122 is secured and/or thermally coupled tointerior surfaces of the cutting element 130 by a potting material 150as is known to those skilled in the art. In particular embodiments, thepotting material 150 is a thermal paste such as the silver thermal pasteutilized for thermal coupling of personal computer functionalities(e.g., coupling of the processor on the motherboard to a heatdissipation device) or the like.

In further embodiments, the cutting element 130, 130 a also isconfigured so as to facilitate conduction of thermal energy fromfriction during use of the medical instrument to the distal end 122 ofthe heat pipe. In exemplary embodiments, the cutting element 130, 130 ais configured and arranged so that exterior walls of the cutting element130, 130 a are made as thin as possible consistent with needs of thecutting element to maintain structural integrity during use.

In addition, the interior cavity 134 of the cutting element isconfigurable so as to mirror or complement the overall shape of thecutting element. For example, if the cutting element 130, 130 a forms anessentially spherical shape, then the interior cavity also can form agenerally spherical interior cavity. While spherical shapes areillustrated, this is not limiting as the cutting element 130, 130 a isconfigurable with any of a number of shapes known in the art includingcylindrical, s-shaped and triangular and the interior cavity also isappropriately shaped including those shapes illustrated in FIGS. 5A-C.In addition, the heat pipe distal end 122 can be arranged so a portionthereof is in contact with a portion of the interior cavity 134 or canbe spaced therefrom with the potting material interposed between theheat pipe and the walls of the interior cavity.

In yet further embodiments, the thermal conductivity capability of sucha medical or surgical instrument is achievable using cutting elementsthat are particularly constructed to facilitate heat transfer alone asdescribed herein, use of thermal potting materials such as a thermalpaste to thermally couple the heat pipe and the cutting element aloneand/or a combination of these two techniques.

In either surgical instrument embodiment, although more particularlyillustrated in FIG. 2, the cutting element 130, 130 a and the shaft 140,140 a (i.e., a support tube for the heat pipe) are configurable so thatthey are joined together using any of a number of mechanisms ortechniques known to those skilled in the art (e.g., adhesives, welding,brazing and the like). For example, the heat pipe 120 and the cuttingelement 130, 130 a, can be secured to each other as described hereinusing for example the thermal paste and then the shaft 140, 140 a can besecured to the assembly of the heat pipe and cutting element by means ofadhesives, welding and the like. The specific technique for joining isselected so as to be appropriate for joining the materials comprisingthe cutting element and the shaft. Also, for example, the cuttingelement and the shaft are further configured so as to form a joint 143(e.g., welding joint or brazing joint) there-between that is appropriatefor joining the two features. As indicated hereinafter, it also iswithin the scope of the present invention for the shaft to be arrangedin fixed relation to the heat pipe and for the heat pipe to be rotatablydisposed within the shaft.

In yet further embodiments, the cutting element 130, 130 a and the shaft140, 130 a are composed of different materials (e.g., dissimilar metals)that are appropriate for the intended use. For example, the cuttingelement is composed of a material or combination of materials that areappropriate for cutting, grinding, abrading, debriding and the like andthe shaft is composed of material having the appropriate strengthcharacteristics or properties for supporting the heat pipe when underoperating (e.g., rotational) conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, thecutting element is a burr made of tungsten carbide or stainless steelembedded with diamonds, the heat pipe is composed of a copper materialand the shaft is composed of a steel such as stainless steel. In such acase, the burr is joined to the shaft using any of a number oftechniques appropriate for joining the dissimilar materials andappropriate for the expected operational conditions (e.g., joining usingadhesives or welding). The heat pipe also may include a coating such assilver on the outer surface or portions thereof to facilitate heattransfer such as between the cutting element and the heat pipe.

As indicated above, the heat energy absorbed at the heat pipe distal end122 is dissipated at least at the heat pipe proximal end 124. Asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention, the heat pipe proximal end 124 extends outwardly from theshaft 140, 140 a so that it is exposed to a heat sink 160 or coolingmedium (e.g., atmosphere or a cooling source). In a particularembodiment, the heat pipe proximal end 124 extends fully beyond theshaft 140, 140 a such that the heat energy communicated to the heat pipeproximal end is dissipated directly to the heat sink 160 or coolingmedium.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, in another embodiment the shaft 140, 140 aextends along the length of the heat pipe 120 such that the heat pipeproximal end 124 resides or is disposed within the shaft. In additionthe shaft 140, 140 a and the heat pipe proximal end 124 are configuredand arranged so that they are thermally coupled to each other (e.g., bythe artifacts 144 or the sliding contact). In this way, the heat energyis communicated to the shaft 140, 140 a from the heat pipe proximal end124 and thence from the shaft to the external heat sink 160 or coolingmedium.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, in yet another embodiment, one part 124 a ofthe heat pipe proximal end 124 is disposed within the shaft 140, 140 aand the remaining part 124 b of the distal end extends outwardly fromthe end of the shaft. In this way, heat energy can be dissipated throughthe shaft to the heat sink 160 and additionally, the heat energy can bedissipated from the exposed remaining portion 124 b of the heat pipeproximal end.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-C, there is shown a side view of a surgicalinstrument 100 c 1 according to another aspect of the present inventionincluding surface artifacts for cooling (FIG. 3A); a partial side viewof a distal portion of an embodiment of the surgical instrument 100 c 2according to the another aspect (FIG. 3B) and another partial side viewof a distal portion of another embodiment of a surgical instrument 100 c3 according to the another aspect (FIG. 3C). In each of theseembodiments, the surgical instrument 100 c 1-c3 is configured so theshaft 140, 140 a and/or the heat pipe 120 is configured with surfaceartifacts 170, 170 a, b that are thermally coupled to the respectiveshaft and/or heat pipe so that the heat energy absorbed at the heat pipeproximal end 124 is dissipated to the heat sink 160. In a particularembodiment, each surface artifact 170 comprises an outwardly extendingmember as are known in the art, such as a blade, fin or pin likestructure, from which heat can be dissipated to the heat sink 160.

Referring now to FIG. 3A, the heat pipe proximal end 124 extendsoutwardly from the shaft 140, 140 a so that it is exposed to the heatsink 160 or cooling medium (e.g., atmosphere or a cooling source). In aparticular illustrative embodiment, the heat pipe proximal end 124extends fully outwardly from the shaft 140, 140 a.

In addition, one or more surface artifacts 170 are arranged on an outersurface of the heat pipe proximal end 124 and are thermally coupled tothe outer surface of the proximal end. In particular embodiments one ofa plurality of surface artifacts 170, a multiplicity of surfaceartifacts, three or more surface artifacts, or four or more surfaceartifacts are thermally coupled to and arranged on and about the outersurface of the heat pipe proximal end 124. In particular embodiments,each surface artifact 170 comprises an outwardly extending member as areknown in the art, such as a blade, fin or pin like structure, from whichheat can be dissipated. In this way, heat energy communicated to theheat pipe proximal end 124 is dissipated through the surface artifactsalone or in combination with the outer surface of the heat pipe proximalend to the heat sink 160 or cooling medium.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, in another embodiment the shaft 140, 140 aextends along the length of the heat pipe 120 such that the heat pipeproximal end 124 resides or is disposed within the shaft. In additionthe shaft 140, 140 a and the heat pipe proximal end 124 are configuredand arranged so that they are thermally coupled to each other (e.g., bythe artifacts 144 or the sliding contact). In this way, the heat energyis communicated to the shaft 140, 140 a from the heat pipe proximal end124.

In addition, one or more surface artifacts 170 are arranged on an outersurface of the shaft 140, 140 a and are thermally coupled to the outersurface thereof. In particular embodiments one of a plurality of surfaceartifacts 170, a multiplicity of surface artifacts, three or moresurface artifacts, or four or more surface artifacts are thermallycoupled to and arranged on and about the outer surface of the shaft 140,140 a. In particular embodiments, each surface artifact 170 comprises anoutwardly extending member as are known in the art, such as a blade, finor pin like structure, from which heat can be dissipated. In this way,the heat energy being communicated to the shaft 140, 140 a is dissipatedthrough the surface artifacts alone or in combination with the outersurface of the shaft to the heat sink 160 or cooling medium.

Referring now to FIG. 3C, in yet another embodiment, one part 124 a ofthe heat pipe proximal end 124 is disposed within the shaft 140, 140 aand the remaining part 124 b of the proximal end extends outwardly fromthe end of the shaft. In this way, heat energy to be dissipated iscommunicated to the shaft 140, 140 a and additionally, the heat energyis communicated to the exposed remaining portion 124 b of the heat pipeproximal end 124.

In addition, one or more surface artifacts 170 a are arranged on anouter surface of the shaft 140, 140 a and are thermally coupled to theouter surface thereof and one or more surface artifacts 170 b also arearranged on an outer surface of the heat pipe proximal end 124 and arethermally coupled to the outer surface of the proximal end. Inparticular embodiments one of a plurality of surface artifacts 170 a, b;a multiplicity of surface artifacts, three or more surface artifacts, orfour or more surface artifacts are thermally coupled to and arranged onand about the outer surfaces of the heat pipe proximal end 124 and/orthe shaft. In particular embodiments, each surface artifact 170comprises an outwardly extending member as are known in the art, such asa blade, fin or pin like structure, from which heat can be dissipated.In this way, heat energy communicated to the heat pipe proximal end 124is dissipated through the surface artifacts 170 a, b alone or incombination with the outer surface of the respective shaft and/orproximal end to the heat sink 160 or cooling medium.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an illustrative view of asurgical instrument 100 d according to yet another aspect of the presentinvention further comprising an external active cooling system 180 thatis thermally coupled to the proximal end 124 of the heat pipe 120 sothat heat energy being communicated to the proximal end is dissipated inthe cooling system. It should be recognized that the present inventionis not limited to the illustrated embodiment. It is within the scope ofthe present invention for such an external cooling system 180 to beconfigured and adapted so that it is thermally coupled to the shaft 140,140 a (e.g., outer surface thereof) by, for example, wrapping a coolingcoil 182 about the shaft proximal the heat pipe proximal end.Alternatively, similar to that shown in FIG. 3C, one or more coolingcoils are configurable so as to be thermally coupled to the outersurface of the shaft 140, 140 a proximal one portion 124 a of the heatpipe proximal end and the outer surface of the remaining portion 124 bof the proximal end 124.

In such an active fluid cooling system 180, the heat energy absorbed bythe heat pipe 120 is absorbed and removed by a fluid, more particularlya flowing fluid. In particular embodiments, such heat energy is absorbedby a fluid flowing through the cooling coil 182. Also, this absorbedheat energy is then removed using any of a number of techniques known tothose skilled in the art. In one exemplary embodiment, the system 180 isconfigurable so that an inlet of the cooling coil 182 is connected to afluid source, such as the source of water used for irrigation and theoutlet is connected to a suction source such as the suction source usedfor suctioning the irrigated water or to a fluid drain into which theheated cooling fluid can be dispersed. In this way, the system 180utilizes functionalities that are generally available and whichfunctionalities would be used in surgical procedures along with thesurgical instruments of the present invention.

In another illustrative exemplary embodiment, the process is controlledso that the fluid makes one or more passes through the cooling coil 182and then to a fluid receiving apparatus 186 in the form of, for example,a large tank or a heat exchange device. The fluid having the absorbedheat energy is dispersed in the large tank or cooled by the heatexchange device. The fluid from the tank or heat exchange device isreturned to the cooling coil such as, for example, by a pumpingmechanism 188 (e.g., any of a number of pumps known in the art andappropriate for the intended use) via a pipe 184 or conduit. In the caseof the large tank, the volume of fluid in the tank is typically suchthat the mixing of the heated fluid with the fluid in the tank does notsignificantly alter the temperature of the tank fluid during the use ofthe surgical instrument. As heat exchangers or heat exchange devices andthe process for dissipating heat energy using such heat exchangers orheat exchange device are well known in the art, the related heatexchange process is not further described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-C there are shown surgical instruments 100 e-gaccording to yet another aspect of the present invention. In each of theillustrated embodiments, the tubular member 140 e-g or shaft is fixedand the heat pipe 120 is rotationally disposed and supported within thetubular member. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular member 140 e-gis coupled to external structure such as the handle 210 (FIG. 6-7) of apowered surgical or medical apparatus 200. In a further embodiment, thetubular member 140 e-g is removably coupled to such external structureusing any of a number of techniques known to those skilled in the art.

As indicated, the heat pipe 120 is rotationally disposed and supportedwithin the tubular member 140 e-g. In this regard, the artifacts 144described hereinabove, can be further adapted so as to provide theappropriate rotational support for the heat pipe 120 while it isrotating during operation. Such rotational support artifacts can beprovided on the heat pipe and/or the tubular member. In addition, suchrotational support artifacts can comprise any of a number of structures(e.g., ball bearing based structures, Teflon coated surfaces) that areotherwise appropriate for the intended use.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, there is shown an illustrative view of adistal portion of a surgical instrument 100 e according to anotheraspect of the present invention including a fluid line 252 e beingconnected to a source 250 (FIG. 6) of fluid. In the illustratedembodiment, the fluid line 252 e is coupled to the tubular member 140 eand extends along the length of the tubular member at least in the areain proximity to the distal end of the tubular member. Also, the fluidflows outwardly from the open end of the fluid line so as to generallyspray onto the cutting implement 130 e and onto the tissue beingprocessed by the cutting implement and tissue proximal the surgical site(e.g., collateral tissue).

In that illustrated embodiment, at least the cutting implement 130 eextends from the distal end of the tubular member 140 e. In moreparticular embodiments, a portion of the distal end of the heat pipe 120also extends from the tubular member distal end. As indicated herein,the cutting element 130 e can have any of a number of shapes known inthe art, including the illustrated cylindrical shape and a sphericalshape as more particularly shown in FIG. 5B.

Referring now to FIG. 5B there is shown an illustrative view of a distalportion of another embodiment of a surgical instrument 100 f accordingto the “another” aspect of the present invention. Such a surgicalinstrument includes, inter alia, a shield 141 f or barrier and a fluidline 252 f that is connected to a source 250 (FIG. 6) of fluid. Aportion of the tubular member 140 f is arranged so it extends outwardlyso as to form the shield 141 f or barrier (e.g., an arcuate shield orbarrier) about a portion of the cutting implement 130 f. This shield orbarrier preferably is arranged such that during use the shield isbetween the cutting implement and tissue adjacent to the surgical site.In this way, an inadvertent motion of the cutting implement should notcontact and damage this adjacent tissue. In an alternative embodiment,the shield 141 f or barrier is a separate element that is secured to thedistal end of the tubular member such that it extends outwardly from thetubular member to shield the adjacent tissue from the cutting element.

In this embodiment, a portion of the cutting implement 130 f extendsbeyond the shield 141 f and extends outwardly from the open distal endof the tubular member 140 f. In more particular embodiments, a portionof the distal end of the heat pipe 120 also extends from the open end ofthe tubular member. As indicated herein, the cutting element 130 f canhave any of a number of shapes known in the art, including the ovalshape as more particularly shown in FIG. 5C.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid line 252 f is coupled to thetubular member 140 f and extends along the length of the tubular memberat least in the area in proximity to the distal end of the tubularmember. In more particular embodiments, the fluid line also embodies aconstricting element (e.g., reducer) to increase flow velocity and aredirection element (e.g., elbow) so as to redirect the fluid flow to agiven direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid flow isre-directed so as to more particularly impinge on the cutting element130 f and the shield 141 f. In addition, the fluid also flows so as togenerally spray onto the tissue being processed by the cutting implementand the tissue proximal the surgical site (e.g., collateral tissue).

Referring now to FIG. 5C, there is shown another illustrative view of adistal portion of another embodiment of a surgical instrument 100 gaccording to the “another” aspect of the present invention. Such asurgical instrument includes, inter alia, a shield 141 g or barrier, afluid line 252 g and suction line 262 g. The fluid line 252 g isconnected to a source 250 (FIG. 6) of fluid and the suction line isconnected to a suction source 260 (FIG. 6).

In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the tubular member 140 g isarranged so it extends outwardly so as to form the shield 141 g orbarrier (e.g., an arcuate shield or barrier) about a portion of thecutting implement 130 g. Reference shall be made to the discussion ofFIG. 5B for the corresponding features as to further details of thefluid line 252 g, the shield 141 g, the tubular member 140 g and cuttingelement 130 g of this embodiment. As indicated herein, the shield can bea separate member that is coupled or attached to the distal end of thetubular member. As also indicated herein, the shield or barrier ispreferably arranged so that during use the shield is positioned betweenthe cutting implement and tissue adjacent to the surgical site. In thisway, an inadvertent motion of the cutting implement should not contactand damage the adjacent tissue.

In the illustrated embodiment, the suction line 262 g is coupled to thetubular member 140 g and extends along the length of the tubular memberat least in the area in proximity to the distal end of the tubularmember. Preferably, the open end of the suction line 262 g also ispositioned so as to be downstream of the cutting element 130 g and fluidline 252 g so the suction line removes or suctions fluid and/or debrisfrom the processing of the tissue by the cutting element. Thispreferably also includes suctioning the fluid that was sprayed onto thetissue being processed by the cutting implement and tissue proximal thesurgical site (e.g., collateral tissue).

Referring now to FIGS. 6-7 there is shown a schematic view of anexemplary powered surgical or medical apparatus 200 according to thepresent invention (FIG. 6) and a perspective exterior view of the handle210 shown in FIG. 7. Such a surgical or medical apparatus 200 is easilyadaptable for use with any of a number of surgical instruments as areknown to those skilled in the art as well as the above describedsurgical instruments of the present invention. Reference shall be madeto USP 7,247,161 the teachings of which are incorporated herein byreference, for further details as to the powered surgical apparatus orpowered medical apparatus not otherwise described herein. It shall berecognized, however, that the surgical instrument(s) of the presentinvention is/are adaptable for use in combination with any of a numberof powered surgical apparatus as are known to those skilled in the artthat include a cutting implement or device that is operably coupled to apower source to rotate the surgical instrument. In the discussionconcerning FIGS. 6-7 the surgical or medical instrument is identified byreference numeral 100, for simplifying the discussion. This, however,shall be not considered as limiting the described apparatus 200 to usewith only this particular medical instrument as it is within the scopeof the present invention for such an apparatus to be used with any ofthe herein described or illustrated surgical instruments.

Also, the medical or surgical instruments of the present invention areparticularly advantageous as the heat pipe allows the removal of theheat of friction from the proximal end to the distal end without theneed for an external source of fluid (e.g., water) for cooling andsuction to remove the heated fluid directly from the surgical site. Inaddition, such a surgical instrument or cutting blade assembly of thepresent invention also advantageously provides a structure that does notrequire the source of irrigation fluid and/or the suction source todirectly be connected to it, which enables the surgical instrument 100to be changed out during a surgical or medical procedure withoutrequiring that the source of irrigation fluid and/or the suction sourceto be disconnected from the handle 210 of the apparatus 200.

The exemplary powered surgical or medical apparatus 200 includes ahandle 210, a footswitch 220 and a controller 230. A general descriptionof these elements as well as their interrelationship is provided below.

The surgical instrument 100 is removable and operably coupled to thehandle 210 which includes a motor assembly for driving the surgicalinstrument for purposes of cutting, shaving, grinding, abrading orotherwise removing bodily material in accordance with a surgical,diagnostic or medical procedure or technique. Such removable andoperable coupling shall include any of a number of techniques known tothose skilled in the art that are appropriate for rotating the surgicalinstrument 100 that extends outwardly from the handle or other surgicalapparatus to which the medical instrument is mounted to.

Such a handle 210 also is configurable so the proximal end 124 of theheat pipe 120 (FIG. 1) is appropriately thermally coupled to theexternal heat sink. In an illustrative embodiment, the handle 210 isthermally coupled to the shaft 140 or support member so that the heatenergy being absorbed from the heat pipe distal end 122 is communicatedto the handle 210 (e.g., directly or via the shaft 140) and thence tothe surrounding atmosphere.

In another embodiment, the handle 210 is configured so as to include oneor more openings or ports that are arranged proximal the heat pipeproximal end 124 when the surgical instrument is operably disposedwithin the handle. In this way, the absorbed heat energy is dispersedfrom the heat pipe and/or the shaft 140 via these openings.

As indicated above in connection with the discussion regarding FIGS.3A-C, the heat pipe and/or the shaft are configurable so as to includeone or more surface artifacts 170 to facilitate the transfer of theabsorbed heat energy to the atmosphere. In such further embodiments, thehandle and openings therein are further configured so as to provide aspace between the structure of the handle and the rotating surfaceartifacts.

As indicated above in connection with the discussion regarding FIG. 4,an active cooling system 180 is provided that is thermally coupled tothe heat pipe proximal end 124 directly and/or via the portion of theshaft 140 about the heat pipe proximal end. In such a system, a coolingfluid passes through a cooling coil 182, which in turn absorbs the heatenergy being dissipated from the heat pipe proximal end. In thisembodiment, the handle 210 also is configured so as to receive thestructure of the cooling coil and the associated inlet and outlet lines.In further embodiments, the handle 210 can further include fluid linesfluidly coupling these inlet and outlet lines respectively to theirrigation source 250 and the suction source 260.

The medical instrument 100 or other cutting blade assembly as is knownto those skilled in the art is arranged so as to extend from the distalend of the handle 210. As described herein, the distal end of themedical instrument 100 or cutting blade assembly is usable to cut,shave, grind, abrade and/or remove bodily material during a surgicalprocedure or operation. The distal end of the medical instrument 100 orcutting blade assembly can perform the cutting, shaving and/or removalin any manner, such as by rotation, for example. In operation, a surgeongrasps the handle 210 as if grasping a pistol and brings the distal endof the surgical instrument or cutting blade assembly into contact withthe bodily material to be shaved, cut and/or removed.

The footswitch 220 is operably connected to the controller 230, forexample, via a footswitch signal line 222, such as an electric cable.The footswitch 220 is typically disposed on the floor of a surgical roomwithin reach of the surgeon's foot. The footswitch 220 includes anactuator member, such as a foot pedal 224, the actuation of whichresults in an input signal being transmitted to the controller 230 viathe footswitch signal line 222. In operation, the surgeon places his orher foot on the footswitch 222 and depresses the foot pedal 224 toprovide an input signal to the controller for the purpose of controllingat least one operation of the apparatus, such asenergizing/de-energizing rotation of the medical instrument 100 orcutting blade assembly, or speed of rotation of the medical instrument100 or cutting blade assembly, for example. However, the footswitchsignal line can be used for any other purpose, such as to transmit othertypes of signals to the controller 230, to transmit signals from thecontroller 230 to the footswitch, or to supply power to the footswitch,for example.

Alternatively or additionally, the handle can include a trigger switchassembly as are known to those skilled in the art and used in lieu of,or in addition to, the footswitch 220. The trigger switch assembly canbe actuatable such that, while the surgeon grasps the handle as ifgrasping a pistol, one or more of the surgeon's fingers can press a partof the trigger switch assembly toward the handle as if pulling thetrigger of the pistol (e.g., depressing the trigger such as done with aconventional drill).

The controller 230 also is operably connected to the handle 210 via ahandle signal line 232. In this way, the controller 230 can outputsignals to the handle via the handle signal line, for example, controlsignals controlling on/off status of the surgical instrument 100 orcutting blade assembly, and/or rotation speed of the medical instrument100 or cutting blade assembly (e.g., based upon input signals receivedby the controller 230 from the footswitch). The handle signal line,however, is useable for any of a number of other purposes, such as totransmit other types of signals to the handle 210, to transmit signalsfrom the handle 210 to the controller 230, or to supply power to thehandle, for example. For example, the handle supply line also is useableto transmit signals to the controller 230 indicating the type of handle210 that is currently connected to the controller.

In the illustrative embodiment, the controller 230 is also connected toa power source 240 via a power source supply line, such as a standardelectric cable or hospital grade power cord, for example. The controllerreceives and utilizes a source of AC or DC electric voltage from thepower source or it also can receive and utilize a source of DC electricvoltage.

The handle 210 or hand piece can be connected to a source 250 ofirrigation fluid by an irrigation fluid supply tube 252. The irrigationfluid can be provided so as to pass through the handle 210 to thesurgical site for the purpose of lubricating the blade or blades forenhanced cutting or shaving efficiency, for example. The irrigationfluid can be provided for any other purpose, such as flushing out thesurgical site for enhanced removal of cut or shaven bodily material, forexample.

As described herein, the medical instrument 100 d according to anembodiment of the present invention is coupled to an active fluidcooling system 180 where the irrigation fluid source 250 is fluidlycoupled to the coiling cool 182 of such a system. In this embodiment, afluid branch can be provided to fluidly couple the cooling coil 182 tothe irrigation line 252. In such an active fluid cooling systemembodiment, the heat energy absorbed by the heat pipe 120 is absorbedand removed by the irrigation fluid flowing through the cooling coil182. Additionally, this absorbed heat energy is then removed, forexample, by fluidly coupling the outlet of the cooling coil 182 to asuction source such as the suction source 260 used for suctioning theirrigated water.

The irrigation fluid is supplied from the irrigation fluid source 250 tothe handle 210 or surgical site using by any or a number of techniquesand/or mechanisms known to those skilled in the art.

In the illustrative embodiment, the handle 210 is fluidly connected orcoupled to a source of suction 260 by a suction supply tube 262. Thesuction can be provided so as to extend through the handle and thence tothe surgical site for the purpose or removing cut or shaven bodilymaterial and/or irrigation fluid. However, as indicated above, thesuction can be provided for any other purpose such as being fluidlycoupled to the outlet of the cooling coil 182.

The above overall system description of the apparatus 200 is providedfor exemplary purposes only. The invention is not only intended to coverthe above described overall system, but also various other aspects ofthe individual elements or combinations of the individual elements ofthe overall system. Thus, any of the other aspects of the individualelements of the invention can be utilized individually, withcombinations of the above individual elements or in conjunction withsystems that are quite different than the overall system discussed aboveand still be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

The handle 210 includes an upper portion 212 a and a lower portion 212 bthat define a pistol grip. The operator, such as a surgeon, grasps thehandle 210 as if gripping a pistol, a drill or the like. The specificmanner of grasping the handle is determined by the operator'spreference. In an exemplary method of grasping the handle, the surgeon'spalm is pressed against a rear end of the lower portion 212 b, while oneor more of the surgeon's fingers can wrap around a front end of thelower portion. One or more of the surgeon's fingers also can extendalong the upper portion 212 a. Such a pistol grip can provide anergonomic advantages, e.g., the operator may find the pistol grip easierto hold for long periods of time, easier to operate with one hand oreasier to precisely manipulate the surgical instrument 100 or cuttingblade assembly to its desired target area.

The handle signal line 232 is connected to the handle via a cableassembly 234, which is then electrically connected to a motor assembly.The controller 230 can thereby send control signals to the motorassembly via the handle signal line and cable assembly to actuate themotor on and off and to regulate the speed of the motor. However, thecontroller 230 can send and/or receive any other signals to or from themotor assembly via the handle signal line 232 and cable assembly 234.

In yet further aspects, the present invention features surgical,diagnostic and medical methods that embody such medical instruments 100and/or apparatus 200. In the within discussion, the surgical or medicalinstrument is identified by reference numeral 100, and the apparatus isidentified by reference numeral 200 for simplifying the discussion.This, however, shall not be considered as limiting the methods of thepresent invention to the identified apparatus or surgical instrument. Itis within the scope of the present invention for such methods to use anyof the herein described or illustrated apparatus or surgicalinstruments.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been describedusing specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposesonly, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All patents, published patent applications and other referencesdisclosed herein are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in theirentireties by reference.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain usingno more than routine experimentation, many equivalents of the specificembodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents areintended to be encompassed by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical instrument comprising: a burr having agiven shape; a heat pipe being arranged so as to absorb heat energy at afirst end thereof and dissipate the heat energy at least at a second endthereof; wherein the heat pipe includes a sealed internal cavityextending between the first and second ends and a phase change mediumwithin the internal cavity, where the heat pipe transfers heat energybetween the first and second ends by the continuous evaporation andcondensation of the phase change medium within the internal cavity;wherein the burr and heat pipe are arranged so that the heat pipe firstend is thermally coupled to the burr such that at least some heat energybeing developed by the burr when in use is absorbed by the heat pipefirst end and is communicated in the direction of the heat pipe secondend; a tubular member that is connected to the burr and extendsoutwardly from the burr such that a longitudinal extending portion ofthe heat pipe is disposed within the tubular member; and wherein theburr includes a cavity that is configured and arranged to receive atleast a portion of the heat pipe first end therein.
 2. The surgicalinstrument of claim 1, wherein the heat pipe further includes a materialdisposed in the interior of the heat pipe to facilitate movement of thephase change medium along a length of the heat pipe.
 3. The surgicalinstrument of claim 1, further comprising a thermally conductive medium,the thermally conductive medium being disposed in the cavity of the burrabout the heat pipe first end so as to facilitate thermal couplingbetween the burr and the heat pipe first end.
 4. The surgical instrumentof claim 1, wherein the tubular member further includes a plurality ofregions disposed along a length of the tubular member, each of theplurality of regions being formed so as to at least reduce a gap betweenan inner surface of the tubular member and an outer surface of thelongitudinally extending portion of the heat pipe.
 5. The surgicalinstrument of claim 1, wherein the tubular member further includes aplurality of regions disposed along a length of the tubular member, eachof the plurality of regions being formed so an inner surface of thetubular member and an outer surface of the longitudinally extendingportion of the heat pipe are in moveable contact with each other.
 6. Thesurgical instrument of claim 1, wherein the heat pipe second end isarranged so as to be exposed to a cooling medium, whereby heat energycommunicated to the heat pipe second end is dissipated to the coolingmedium.